After leaving the Hostess of Fertility, he walked along the still-bustling street, merging with the flow of people.
The calls of enthusiastic vendors filled the air, bringing him an unexpected sense of relief.
He had followed Anya inside earlier solely to test his resistance to Freya's Charm. Once again, Aqua's blessing had proven his salvation.
Two vital pieces of information had emerged: his immunity to the charm and his ability to avoid the Goddess of Beauty's attention.
Then and there, he made a firm decision — unless absolutely necessary, he would never return to the Hostess of Fertility!
'Well, where should I go next?'
Walking down the street, Adam silently debated whether to return home or continue wandering. Lost in thought, he drifted away from the crowd until he reached the riverside.
Perhaps subconsciously, he wasn't ready to return. As he watched the moonlight dance silver across the water's surface, his earlier tension melted into tranquility.
He began to contemplate deeper questions: What could he achieve in this world? What pursuits were truly worthwhile?
Gradually, his thoughts scattered into deep introspection.
After a long while.
Splash!
A dull thud broke the silence as a pebble struck the water, sending ripples across the calm surface.
The sound jolted Adam from his reverie.
Turning, he spotted a figure leaning against a boulder's shadow. The silhouette suggested a girl, given the twin-tails — unless it was some peculiar impersonator.
She was tossing stones into the river while muttering complaints under her breath.
Her voice confirmed Adam's assumption — definitely female.
Hmm?
As if sensing his gaze, she turned to look.
"Did it splash you?" She stood up apologetically, "Sorry, I didn't see you there."
"No, no need to apologize, it didn't splash me at all."
When she stepped out from behind the rock, Adam froze at the sight of that distinctive blue ribbon.
Twin-tailed girl with her distinctive blue ribbon and improbably large chest. There was no mistaking it.
It's you, Hestia!
What were the odds? First Bell, and now the Hearth Goddess Hestia herself?
Hestia studied his suddenly silent face with curiosity, "What's wrong? Why did you stop talking?"
"No, I just didn't expect to meet you here." Adam collected himself, then gave her a slight bow, "Good evening, Lady Hestia."
"Oh, you…" Hestia's surprise gave way to contentment, "You're such a good child, actually bowing to me."
His respectful gesture awakened in her a long-forgotten sense of divine dignity.
Having descended late to the mortal realm, she hadn't yet established her own Familia. In Orario, where gods were everywhere, she held no authority — she ranked lowest among all the deities.
Most adventurers, swayed by their own gods, treated her coldly. Some even mocked her behind her back.
But this youth was different from those adventurers; he showed her genuine respect as a goddess.
Adam: "..."
He was speechless, wondering how a goddess could fall so far that even mortals wouldn't bow to her.
"By the way, what are you doing here alone, my lady?" He asked with concern, "It's dangerous, and rain's coming soon. You should head back early."
"I am a goddess — human problems won't harm me." Hestia lifted her chin proudly, then slumped her shoulders, "It's all because of Bell-kun, he actually—"
She cut herself off, perhaps realizing she was about to reveal her child's secret.
Liaris Freese... Bell's unique skill, the only known ability of its kind.
It granted accelerated growth based on admiration — the stronger one's feelings of yearning, the faster their strength increased. It also provided immunity to charm through that same admiration, explaining his resistance to Freya's power.
Unlike Adam's divine blessing from Aqua, Bell's power came from his own awakened talent.
Seeing Hestia lost in thought, Adam prepared to leave, but she quickly moved to block his path.
"Wait, can I ask you something?" Hestia looked up at him, "It's about me — no, about my divine friend's situation. She doesn't know what to do either, and I wanted your opinion."
Adam: "..."
Oh boy! Using the classic "asking for a friend" excuse? Why not just be direct?
Stare—
"W-what! It really is my divine friend, not me!" Under his knowing gaze, Hestia squirmed but stubbornly maintained her pretense.
"Very well. Since Lady Hestia insists, I'm all ears." Adam humored her request.
"Actually, I — ahem, my divine friend! She has this child she deeply cares for, but somehow that child has developed romantic feelings — no, admiration! — for someone from another Familia! She's completely flustered and doesn't know what to do. Could you offer some advice?"
Adam: "..."
Come on now, you're clearly talking about yourself! You've completely given up on maintaining this "divine friend" charade, haven't you?
"Well then..." Adam looked down at the troubled goddess and asked, "Does this goddess have romantic feelings for the child? Not just the usual love between a goddess and her Familia member, but actual romantic love?"
"It's romantic love!"
"I see." Her swift response told Adam everything he needed to know, "Then pursue him! Take him on dates, make him blush, and confess your feelings boldly!"
"Dates... confession..." Hestia pondered briefly before clapping her hands in delight, "That's perfect! The Monster Feria is coming up — what a wonderful opportunity for a date! I'll take Bell there, and when the mood is just right, I'll confess to him, hehehe."
The petite goddess giggled mischievously.
Adam gave her an encouraging thumbs up, "That's the spirit!"
Suddenly remembering she wasn't alone, Hestia quickly wiped her mouth and composed herself, "You're such a kind soul. Thank you for the advice — I'll be sure to pass it along to my divine friend."
Adam: "..."
He suppressed a smile at her continued pretense about the divine friend.
"By the way, which Familia raised such a polite child as you? I must put in some good words with your God someday." Hestia asked warmly.
The goddess looked at him expectantly, eager to learn more about the youth who had helped solve her troubles.
"I... haven't joined a Familia."
"Eh?"
"I only arrived in Orario yesterday, so I haven't joined one yet."
"Then how about joining my Familia?"
"I must respectfully decline." Adam replied without hesitation.
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